The Deal Foundation has set a two-year target to identify sustainable livelihood activities for people with disabilities, with the goal of empowering them. Accordingly, step-by-step initiatives are being implemented, including awareness training, community sensitization, baseline surveys, livelihood training, financial literacy programs, the establishment of self-employment centers, and the formation of self-help groups for persons with disabilities. Additional efforts include providing bank and financial market linkages, forming Farmer Producer Companies, establishing cooperative societies at the taluk and district levels, and appointing a Livelihood Officer in each taluk to oversee implementation.
Among them, Sangeetha, who became the Livelihood Officer of Naragunda taluk, began working in alignment with the goals set by the Deal Foundation across all villages within Naragunda taluk’s jurisdiction. As part of her efforts, Sangeetha visited the Koppa Gram Panchayat of Kuri Govinakoppa in Naragunda taluk and informed the Village Rehabilitation Worker (VRW) about the activities of the Deal Foundation. The VRW of Kuri Govinakoppa Gram Panchayat agreed to form a Self-Help Society, including all persons with disabilities in the community. The VRW informed them about the benefits of the association and the opportunities offered by the Deal Foundation. Inspired by this, people with disabilities came together and successfully formed a Self-Help Society.
Later, Sangeetha completed all the necessary documentation and opened an account in KVG Bank, naming the association Shri Renuka Devi Vikalachetana Swasahay Sangha. All the members contribute a monthly savings of one hundred rupees. The primary objective of forming this association is to support persons with disabilities in achieving self-employment through training. This initiative was established with the aim of improving their financial situation.
Later, Sangeetha provided the members with comprehensive training and information, including book-keeping, leadership development, disability awareness training as per the 2016 guidelines, available government facilities, and job training opportunities offered by the Deal Foundation.
The next day, all the members discussed taking a loan to continue their work. They decided that instead of applying for a bank loan, which would take more time and involve higher interest rates, they would use their collective savings. This way, the interest would benefit the members of their association. Additionally, they agreed that this approach would strengthen the association through mutual harmony and cooperation. With everyone’s agreement, three members of the association decided to take loans from the shared savings:
- Sheikhappa Kumbar, who was engaged in basic work requiring capital, took a loan of ₹15,000. This allowed him to expand his work significantly, leading to financial improvement.
- Shivan Gowda Patil, who had experience in dairy farming, decided to pursue self-employment after the association’s formation. He took a loan of ₹5,000 and started a dairy business.
- Hanumanta Kambali took a loan of ₹3,000 to invest in agriculture, enabling him to continue and grow his farming activities.
All of them are repaying their loans every month without any arrears on the principal or interest. The members with disabilities are managing the association as a model organization by reinvesting the interest earned back into the association, ensuring smooth operations at a high level. Meanwhile, the remaining members have started the process of obtaining loans from the bank, with Sangeetha handling all the necessary documentation work.
Recognizing the enthusiasm, hard work, and self-confidence of these individuals with disabilities, the association received ₹15,000 as the second prize in the annual Self-Reliance Award program from the Deal Foundation. This award was given with the intention of further supporting people with disabilities by enabling them to take loans from this fund and create more employment opportunities.
The members of the association, who received such valuable support, shared their thoughts about the Deal Foundation. They expressed that initially, they had no knowledge about the organization or how to maintain records. It was through Sangeetha that they gained this information and guidance. They further stated that with the training provided by the Deal Foundation, they could engage in self-employment, which empowered them to face society without fear of ridicule. The foundation also educated them about the various facilities available for people with disabilities across different departments. In this way, the Deal Foundation has given them the courage and confidence to pursue employment. As a result of this collaboration, the association was awarded the 2nd prize. On behalf of all the members, they extended their heartfelt gratitude to the Deal Foundation and Sangeetha for recognizing their potential and bringing them into the limelight.
Thus, the Deal Foundation serves as the backbone of society by identifying individuals with disabilities and empowering them through meaningful employment opportunities. Similarly, people with disabilities hope to be recognized at higher levels and continue to receive support to help them thrive.
For any specific queries or assistance regarding this blog, please contact us at info@deal-foundation.com or visit our website at www.deal-foundation.com to learn more about our work.
Thank you!